2012 Youth Coaching Manual - AFL Community

Blood rule – infectious diseases
The meaning of active bleeding
The term ‘active bleeding’ means the existence of an injury or wound, which continues to bleed. Active bleeding does not include
minor bleeding from a graze or scratch, which has abated and can be readily removed from a player or any part of his/her uniform.
Participation in matches when actively bleeding
A player must not remain on the playing surface for as long as he or she is actively bleeding. A club or team must not
allow any of its players to remain on the playing surface for as long as the player is actively bleeding. Unless immediate
treatment needs to be given, having due regard to a player’s health and safety, a club or team must not allow any player
who is actively bleeding to be treated on the playing surface.
Player to follow directions of field umpire
Where a player is directed by a field umpire to leave the playing surface because he or she is actively bleeding, the player
must leave the playing surface immediately through the interchange area. The player must not re-enter the playing surface
or take any further part in any match until and unless:
a) The cause of such bleeding has been abated.
b) The injury is securely bound to ensure that all blood is contained.
c) Any blood-stained article of uniform has been removed and replaced.
d) Any blood on any part of the player’s body has been thoroughly cleansed and removed.
Replacement player
A player directed to leave the playing surface may be replaced by another player listed on the team sheet. A replacement
player may enter the playing surface while the player that he or she is replacing is leaving the playing surface.
Procedure when player not actively bleeding
Where the field umpire is of the opinion that a player is not actively bleeding, but the player has blood on any part of his or
her body or uniform, the following procedure will apply:
At the first available opportunity, the field umpire must signal and direct the player to obtain treatment. After the signal is
given, play will continue:
The player may remain on the playing surface after the signal is given by the field umpire, but must at the earliest
opportunity:
a) In the case of blood being on any part of the uniform, have the piece of uniform removed and replaced; and/or
b) In the case of blood being on any part of the body, have the blood removed and the cause of any bleeding (if any)
treated and covered so that all blood is contained.
Protective gloves
Each club or team must ensure that any doctor, trainer and any other person treating players wears protective gloves as
may be approved from time to time by the relevant controlling body.
Disposal of bloodied clothing and other material
Each club or team must ensure that:
• Any bloodied item of uniform or clothing of a player is placed as soon as possible in a hygienic sealed container and
laundered to ensure the removal of all blood.
• All towels, wipes, bandages, dressings and other materials used in the treatment of bleeding players must be placed
in a hygienic sealed container and discarded or destroyed in a hygienic manner.
AFL Youth Coaching Manual
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